Multiple-filament tungsten-halogen lighting system having managed tungsten redeposition

ABSTRACT

Described embodiments include a tungsten-halogen lighting system and a method. A described system includes a sealed glass envelope containing a halogen gas. The system includes at least two tungsten filaments enclosed within the glass envelope. Each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments is configured to generate light in response to a flow of electric current. The system includes a controller circuit configured to manage the at least two tungsten filaments in response to a tungsten filament management schedule. The tungsten filament management schedule includes controlling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle on each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments.

If an Application Data Sheet (ADS) has been filed on the filing date ofthis application, it is incorporated by reference herein. Anyapplications claimed on the ADS for priority under 35 U.S.C. §§119, 120,121, or 365(c), and any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of such applications, are also incorporated byreference, including any priority claims made in those applications andany material incorporated by reference, to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and/or claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Priority Applications”), if any, listed below(e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other thanprovisional patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e)for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the PriorityApplication(s)). In addition, the present application is related to the“Related Applications,” if any, listed below.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

None.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/653,712, entitled MANAGEDMULTIPLE-FILAMENT INCANDESCENT LIGHTING SYSTEM, naming Roderick A. Hyde,Jordin T. Kare, Charles Whitmer, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr., as inventors,filed Oct. 17, 2012, is related to the present application.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/653,842, entitled MULTIPLE-FILAMENTINCANDESCENT LIGHTING SYSTEM MANAGED IN RESPONSE TO A SENSOR DETECTEDASPECT OF A FILAMENT, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, CharlesWhitmer, and Lowell L. Wood, Jr., as inventors, filed Oct. 17, 2012, isrelated to the present application.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a parentapplication. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTOOfficial Gazette Mar. 18, 2003. The USPTO further has provided forms forthe Application Data Sheet which allow automatic loading ofbibliographic data but which require identification of each applicationas a continuation, continuation-in-part, or divisional of a parentapplication. The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter “Applicant”) hasprovided above a specific reference to the application(s) from whichpriority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understandsthat the statute is unambiguous in its specific reference language anddoes not require either a serial number or any characterization, such as“continuation” or “continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S.patent applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicantunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence Applicant has provided designation(s) of arelationship between the present application and its parentapplication(s) as set forth above and in any ADS filed in thisapplication, but expressly points out that such designation(s) are notto be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission asto whether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

If the listings of applications provided above are inconsistent with thelistings provided via an ADS, it is the intent of the Applicant to claimpriority to each application that appears in the Priority Applicationssection of the ADS and to each application that appears in the PriorityApplications section of this application.

All subject matter of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications and of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Priority Applications and the RelatedApplications, including any priority claims, is incorporated herein byreference to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistentherewith.

SUMMARY

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein includes a tungsten-halogen lighting system. The systemincludes a sealed glass envelope containing a halogen gas. The systemincludes at least two tungsten filaments enclosed within the glassenvelope. Each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filamentsis configured to generate light in response to a flow of electriccurrent. The system includes a controller circuit configured to managethe at least two tungsten filaments in response to a tungsten filamentmanagement schedule. The tungsten filament management schedule includescontrolling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle oneach tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments.

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein includes a tungsten-halogen lighting system. The systemincludes a sealed glass envelope containing a halogen gas. The systemincludes at least two tungsten filaments enclosed within the glassenvelope. Each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filamentsis configured to generate light in response to a flow of electriccurrent. The system includes a sensor configured to detect an indicia oftungsten redeposition on each tungsten filament of the at least twotungsten filaments and to generate a sensor signal indicative of theindicia. The system includes a controller circuit configured to managethe at least two tungsten filaments in response to a tungsten filamentmanagement schedule. The tungsten filament management schedule includescontrolling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle oneach tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments at leastpartially based on the sensor signal.

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein includes a method. The method includes electronicallyinitiating in response to a tungsten filament management schedule afirst electric current flow through a first tungsten filament enclosedwithin a sealed glass envelope of a tungsten-halogen light andgenerating a first light. The method includes electronically terminatingthe first electric current flow upon completion of a firstlight-production duty cycle specified for the first tungsten filament bythe tungsten filament management schedule. The first light-productionduty cycle controlling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerativecycle on the first tungsten filament of the at least two tungstenfilaments. The method includes electronically initiating in response tothe tungsten filament management schedule a second electric current flowthrough a second tungsten filament enclosed within the sealed glassenvelope and generating a second light. The method includeselectronically managing the terminating the first electric current flowand the initiating the second electric current flow to maintain asubstantially uniform level of light generated by the tungsten-halogenlight.

In an embodiment, the method further includes electronically terminatingthe second electric current flow upon completion of a secondlight-production duty cycle specified for the second filament by thefilament management schedule. The second light-production duty cyclecontrolling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle onthe second tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments. Inthis further embodiment, the method includes receiving a sensor signalindicative of an incipient failure of the first filament. In thisfurther embodiment, the method includes electronically initiating inresponse to the filament management schedule the first electric currentflow through the first filament and generating the first light.

In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving a sensor signalindicative of an aspect of the first tungsten filament. In this furtherembodiment, the method includes modifying based upon the received sensorsignal the first electric current flow scheduled by the filamentmanagement schedule. In this further embodiment, the method includeselectronically initiating in response to the filament managementschedule the modified first electric current flow through the firstfilament.

For example, and without limitation, an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein includes a system. The system includes means forelectronically initiating in response to a tungsten filament managementschedule a first electric current flow through a first tungsten filamentenclosed within a sealed glass envelope of a tungsten-halogen light andgenerating a first light. The system includes means for electronicallyterminating the first electric current flow upon completion of a firstlight-production duty cycle specified for the first tungsten filament bythe tungsten filament management schedule. The first light-productionduty cycle controlling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerativecycle on the first tungsten filament of the at least two tungstenfilaments. The system includes means for electronically initiating inresponse to the tungsten filament management schedule a second electriccurrent flow through a second tungsten filament enclosed within thesealed glass envelope and generating a second light. The system includesmeans for electronically managing the terminating the first electriccurrent flow and the initiating the second electric current flow tomaintain a substantially uniform level of light generated by thetungsten-halogen light.

In an embodiment, the system further includes means for electronicallyterminating the second electric current flow upon completion of a secondlight-production duty cycle specified for the second filament by thefilament management schedule. The second light-production duty cyclecontrolling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle onthe second tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments. Inthis further embodiment, the system includes means for electronicallyinitiating in response to the filament management schedule the firstelectric current flow through the first filament and generating thefirst light. This further embodiment may include means for receiving asensor signal indicative of an aspect of the first tungsten filament.This further embodiment may include means for modifying based upon thereceived sensor signal the first electric current flow scheduled by thefilament management schedule. This further embodiment may include meansfor electronically initiating in response to the filament managementschedule the modified first electric current flow through the firstfilament.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example incandescent lighting system 300;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example incandescent lighting system 600;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example operational flow 500;

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow 500described in conjunction with FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow 500described in conjunction with FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow 500described in conjunction with FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example incandescent lighting system 800;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example operational flow 900;

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow900 described in conjunction with FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the operational flow 900described in conjunction with FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system 1000;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example tungsten-halogen lighting system 1100;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example tungsten-halogen lighting system 1200;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example operational flow 1300;

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow1300 described in conjunction with FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 illustrates an example system 1400.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrated embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware, software, and/or firmware implementations of aspectsof systems; the use of hardware, software, and/or firmware is generally(but not always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardwareand software can become significant) a design choice representing costvs. efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciatethat there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/orother technologies described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware,software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will varywith the context in which the processes and/or systems and/or othertechnologies are deployed. For example, if an implementer determinesthat speed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for amainly hardware and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibilityis paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly softwareimplementation; or, yet again alternatively, the implementer may opt forsome combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, thereare several possible vehicles by which the processes and/or devicesand/or other technologies described herein may be effected, none ofwhich is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to beutilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the vehiclewill be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, orpredictability) of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilledin the art will recognize that optical aspects of implementations willtypically employ optically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.

In some implementations described herein, logic and similarimplementations may include software or other control structuressuitable to implement an operation. Electronic circuitry, for example,may manifest one or more paths of electric current constructed andarranged to implement various logic functions as described herein. Insome implementations, one or more media are configured to bear adevice-detectable implementation if such media holds or transmits aspecial-purpose device instruction set operable to perform as describedherein. In some variants, for example, this may manifest as an update orother modification of existing software or firmware, or of gate arraysor other programmable hardware, such as by performing a reception of ora transmission of one or more instructions in relation to one or moreoperations described herein. Alternatively or additionally, in somevariants, an implementation may include special-purpose hardware,software, firmware components, and/or general-purpose componentsexecuting or otherwise invoking special-purpose components.Specifications or other implementations may be transmitted by one ormore instances of tangible transmission media as described herein,optionally by packet transmission or otherwise by passing throughdistributed media at various times.

Alternatively or additionally, implementations may include executing aspecial-purpose instruction sequence or otherwise invoking circuitry forenabling, triggering, coordinating, requesting, or otherwise causing oneor more occurrences of any functional operations described below. Insome variants, operational or other logical descriptions herein may beexpressed directly as source code and compiled or otherwise invoked asan executable instruction sequence. In some contexts, for example, C++or other code sequences can be compiled directly or otherwiseimplemented in high-level descriptor languages (e.g., alogic-synthesizable language, a hardware description language, ahardware design simulation, and/or other such similar mode(s) ofexpression). Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the logicalexpression may be manifested as a Verilog-type hardware description orother circuitry model before physical implementation in hardware,especially for basic operations or timing-critical applications. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize how to obtain, configure, and optimizesuitable transmission or computational elements, material supplies,actuators, or other common structures in light of these teachings.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systemshaving a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,firmware, and/or virtually any combination thereof and a wide range ofcomponents that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigidbodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, electro-magneticallyactuated devices, and/or virtually any combination thereof.Consequently, as used herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, butis not limited to, electrical circuitry operably coupled with atransducer (e.g., an actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, a MicroElectro Mechanical System (MEMS), etc.), electrical circuitry having atleast one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of memory(e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), electrical circuitryforming a communications device (e.g., a modem, module, communicationsswitch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.), and/or any non-electricalanalog thereto, such as optical or other analogs. Those skilled in theart will also appreciate that examples of electro-mechanical systemsinclude but are not limited to a variety of consumer electronicssystems, medical devices, as well as other systems such as motorizedtransport systems, factory automation systems, security systems, and/orcommunication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art will recognizethat electro-mechanical, as used herein, is not necessarily limited to asystem that has both electrical and mechanical actuation except ascontext may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will also recognize thatthe various aspects described herein which can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, and/or any combination thereof can be viewed as being composedof various types of “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein“electrical circuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electricalcircuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electricalcircuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one application specific integrated circuit, electricalcircuitry forming a general purpose computing device configured by acomputer program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by acomputer program which at least partially carries out processes and/ordevices described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g.,forms of memory (e.g., random access, flash, read only, etc.)), and/orelectrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem,communications switch, optical-electrical equipment, etc.). Those havingskill in the art will recognize that the subject matter described hereinmay be implemented in an analog or digital fashion or some combinationthereof.

Those skilled in the art will further recognize that at least a portionof the devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated intoan image processing system. A typical image processing system maygenerally include one or more of a system unit housing, a video displaydevice, memory such as volatile or non-volatile memory, processors suchas microprocessors or digital signal processors, computational entitiessuch as operating systems, drivers, applications programs, one or moreinteraction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna,etc.), control systems including feedback loops and control motors(e.g., feedback for sensing lens position and/or velocity; controlmotors for moving/distorting lenses to give desired focuses). An imageprocessing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commerciallyavailable components, such as those typically found in digital stillsystems and/or digital motion systems.

Those skilled in the art will likewise recognize that at least some ofthe devices and/or processes described herein can be integrated into adata processing system. Those having skill in the art will recognizethat a data processing system generally includes one or more of a systemunit housing, a video display device, memory such as volatile ornon-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors or digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one ormore interaction devices (e.g., a touch pad, a touch screen, an antenna,etc.), and/or control systems including feedback loops and controlmotors (e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; controlmotors for moving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A dataprocessing system may be implemented utilizing suitable commerciallyavailable components, such as those typically found in datacomputing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example incandescent lighting system 300. Thesystem includes a gas filled and sealed glass envelope 310. For example,the sealed glass envelope may be similar to a sealed glass envelopepresently used in household incandescent lights. For example, the sealedglass envelope may be similar to a sealed glass envelope presently usedin an incandescent spot light, an incandescent signal light, aflashlight, or an automotive headlight. The system includes at least twofilaments 320 enclosed within the glass envelope. Each filament of theat least two filaments is configured to generate light in response to aflow of electric current. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the at leasttwo filaments as a filament 320.1, a filament 320.2, and a filament320.3. The system includes a controller circuit 330 configured to managethe at least two filaments in response to a filament management schedule334. The filament management schedule includes managing the respectiveflow of electric current through each filament of the at least twofilaments. In an embodiment, the filament management schedule alsoincludes maintaining a substantially uniform level of light generationby the at least two filaments. In an embodiment, the filament managementschedule also includes managing the respective flow of electric currentthrough each filament of the at least two filaments so that not all ofthe at least two filaments generate light at any one time. In anembodiment, the filament management schedule also includes or isresponsive to a plan or process for reaching an objective, includinglong operation life, high efficiency, uniformity, or economy in theoutput of light by the incandescent lighting system. In an embodiment,the filament management schedule also includes specifying a sequence,order, or burn time for each filament.

For example, an embodiment of the system 300 may be used in conjunctionwith high efficiency illumination. Running filaments at a hottertemperature is expected to be more energy efficient by delivering morelumens per watt than conventional filament temperatures presently inuse. However, filaments running at hotter temperatures may have shorterlives before burning out or otherwise degrading. An embodiment of theincandescent lighting system 300 is expected to address this situationby enclosing the at least two filaments 320 in the single glass envelope310, and using the controller circuit 330 to manage the multiplefilaments according to a filament management schedule 334 to manage therespective flow of electric current through each filament of the atleast two filaments and provide a longer overall useful life of theincandescent light. In an embodiment, the system in a simple form mayflow electric current only to filament 320.1 until it ultimately burnsout, and then flow electric current to filament 320.2 until itultimately burns out, and so on until all of the at least two filamentsare burned out, whereupon the burned out lighting system or the burnedcomponents may be replaced with a new lighting system or new components.

In an embodiment of the system 300, the sealed glass envelope 310 isfixedly attached to a housing 392. In an embodiment, the sealed glassenvelope is fixedly attached to a base 394. For example, the base mayinclude a screw-on base typically used in a household incandescent lightor light. For example, the base may include a multiple pin-typeconnection used in a specialty light, such as an automotive headlight.For example, the base may include two base portions. For example, thebase may include two electrical conductors configured to make contactwith an electrical supply supplying current to the system, illustratedas AC electrical supply 396. In an embodiment, the sealed glass envelopeincludes a gas 350 filled, sealed glass envelope. In an embodiment, thesealed glass envelope includes a transparent or translucent sealed glassenvelope.

In an embodiment of the system 300, the at least two filaments 320include at least two tungsten filaments. In an embodiment, the at leasttwo filaments include at least two wire filaments. In an embodiment, afirst filament of the at least two filaments generates visible lighthaving a first feature and a second filament of the at least twofilament generates visible light having a second feature. For example,the first filament may have a first color temperature and the secondfilament may have a second color temperature. For example, the firstfilament may generate light having a first quality and the secondfilament may generate light having a second quality. In an embodiment,each filament can be switched on and off more than once over itslifetime. In an embodiment, each filament of the at least two filamentsis configured to generate visible light in response to a flow ofelectric current.

In an embodiment of the system 300, the controller 330 is enclosedwithin the glass envelope 310. In an embodiment, the controller isenclosed within the housing 392. In an embodiment, the controller islocated external of the glass envelope. For example, the controller maybe located in a socket electrically and physically positioned (notillustrated) between a base 394 and the electrical supply 396. Forexample, the controller may be located apart from the glass envelope,such as on a nearby wall, and communicate with the incandescent light.In an embodiment, the controller is configured to automatically andwithout human intervention manage the respective flow of electriccurrent through each filament of the at least two filaments 320.

In an embodiment of the system 300, the filament management schedule 334includes switching the flow of electric current from a first filament toa second filament of the at least two filaments 320. In an embodiment,the filament management schedule includes modulating the respective flowof electric current through each filament of the at least two filaments.In an embodiment, the filament management schedule includes atime-interval of flow of electric current through each filament of theat least two filaments. For example, a time interval may include oneminute, one hour, 12 hours, a day, or two days. In an embodiment, thefilament management schedule includes modifying the time-interval of aflow of electric current through a filament of the at least twofilaments in response to a burn out of a filament of the at least twofilaments. In an embodiment, the filament management schedule includesmanaging the respective flow of electric current through each filamentof the at least two filaments in response to a schedule that re-burnseach filament of the at least two filaments after each of them had beenburned once, with a shorter burn cycle being employed for each filamentfor each subsequent iteration. It is anticipated that this schedulewould continue for a modest number of burn cycles, with theever-more-frequent safety-net operations alerting the user to the factthat the bulb's filament-system (the at least two filaments) isapproaching the end of its service-life. For example, this schedule maybe configured so that the management schedule would go around the atleast two filaments many times, not just once (though not so many timesas to make thermal-cycling fatigue an issue).

In an embodiment of the system 300, the filament management schedule 334includes managing the respective flow of electric current through eachfilament of the at least two filaments 320 in response to the filamentmanagement schedule 334 activating each filament for a desired fractionof an estimated total operating life of the incandescent lightingsystem. In an embodiment, the managing the respective flow of electriccurrent includes managing the respective flow of electric currentthrough each filament of the at least two filaments with an objective ofobtaining a maximum total life from the at least two filaments. In anembodiment, the managing the respective flow of electric currentincludes managing the respective flow of electric current through eachfilament of the at least two filaments with an objective of maintaininga substantially uniform light output from the at least two filaments. Inan embodiment, the managing the respective flow of electric currentincludes managing the respective flow of electric current in anadaptively-learned response to usage patterns of the incandescentlighting system. In an embodiment, the managing the respective flow ofelectric current includes withdrawing a filament of the at least twofilaments from management if a current drawn by the filament inoperation increases in a manner indicative of a necking or notching ofthe filament. For example, in an embodiment, withdrawing a filament frommanagement will permanently shut down the withdrawn filament. In anembodiment, the managing the respective flow of electric currentincludes withdrawing a filament of the at least two filaments frommanagement if current drawn by the filament in operation increases in amanner indicative of a failing of the filament. In an embodiment, themanaging the respective flow of electric current includes withdrawing afilament of the at least two filaments from management if current drawnby the filament in operation increases in a manner indicative of afailing of the filament, and powering up another filament of the atleast two filaments keeping the total light output of the incandescentlighting system constant over the transition.

In an embodiment of the system 300, the filament management schedule 334includes managing the respective flow of electric current through eachfilament of the at least two filaments 320 in response to anoptimization algorithm. For example, the filament management schedulewill use a more rugged filament that is resistant to turn-on shockduring the daylight hours when more likely to be switched on and off,and use another less rugged filament during night time hours when lesslikely to be switched on and off. For example, if in a round robinmanagement schedule, it is determined that filament 320.3 is drawingless current than the other filaments 320.1 and 320.2, and it is knownfrom experience that less current draw means filament number 320.3 willlast longer, the filament management schedule 334 will increases thefraction of burn time assigned to filament 320.3 to equalize filamentlife. In an embodiment, the optimization algorithm is configured tominimize burn-out probability of each filament of the at least twofilaments. For example, the optimization algorithm may includemaximizing the utility of the light, such as maximizing the replacementinterval time, optimizing the integrated light output over time, addinga user program selector, or other optimization algorithm preprogramed bymanufacturer. For example, the optimization algorithm may includeminimizing total power consumed while providing a selected illumination.In an embodiment, the optimization algorithm is configured to maximizethe useful life of each filament of the at least two filaments. In anembodiment, the optimization algorithm is configured to maximize theuseful life of the incandescent light. For example, the optimizationalgorithm may be responsive to the type of material(s) used in afilament of the at least two filaments, or may be responsive to theactual voltage of the electrical supply 396. In an embodiment, themanaging the respective flow of electric current includes switching eachfilament on for a set time period. In an embodiment, the managing therespective flow of electric current includes switching each filament onfor a set time period, and in a set order. In an embodiment, themanaging the respective flow of electric current includes switching eachfilament on for a random period or in a random order. In an embodiment,the managing the respective flow of electric current includessimultaneously switching on at least two filaments of the at least threefilaments enclosed within the glass envelope, and then simultaneouslyswitching off one of the at least two filaments while switching onanother filament of the at least three filaments. In an embodiment, theswitching includes simultaneously switching off one of the at least twofilaments while switching on another filament of the at least threefilaments. In an embodiment, the managing the respective flow ofelectric current includes responding to an external command orresponding to a condition. For example, in response to an externalcommand to dim the lighting system, the managing the respective flow ofelectric current may include going from two active filaments to oneactive filament. In an embodiment, the managing the respective flow ofelectric current includes managing the respective flow of electriccurrent through each filament of the at least two filaments in responseto an external condition. For example, an external condition may includeambient temperature, power line voltage, or waveform. For example, anexternal condition may include a time of day or a usage pattern. In anembodiment, the managing the respective flow of electric currentincludes managing the respective flow of electric current through eachfilament of the at least two filaments by varying the current throughthe at least two filaments and maintaining a constant luminous output asone filament is turned off and another filament is turned on. Forexample, the electric current may be varied usingpulse-width-modulation.

In an embodiment of the system 300, the filament management schedule 334includes managing the respective flow of electric current through eachfilament of the at least two filaments 320 so that not all of the atleast two filaments are generating light at any one time. In anembodiment, the managing the respective flow of electric currentincludes minimizing any human noticeable flickering of the lightoutputted by the incandescent lighting system. In an embodiment, themanaging the respective flow of electric current includes managing therespective flow of electric current through each filament of the atleast two filaments to minimize any human noticeable change inbrightness or color temperature of the light outputted by theincandescent lighting system.

In an embodiment of the system 300, the controller circuit 330 isfurther configured to determine if a filament of the at least twofilaments 320 has failed, and if so, skip that filament in itsmanagement of the at least two filaments. In an embodiment, thecontroller circuit is further configured to manage short time scale dutycycles of the respective flow of electric current through each filamentof the at least two filaments in response to a filament managementschedule. In an embodiment, the controller circuit includes currentswitching elements that are at least partly electromechanical. Forexample, an at least partial electromechanical switching element mayinclude relay contacts. In an embodiment, the controller circuitincludes current switching elements that are at least partly electronic.For example, an at least partially electronic switching element mayinclude a MOSFET or an SCR.

In an embodiment, the system 300 includes a power supply circuit 340configured to convert electric power supplied to the incandescent lightto a voltage or waveform (e.g., DC) suitable for use by the controllercircuit. For example, the power supply circuit may include active orpassive rectifiers. For example, a conversion of the electric power mayinclude a step-up or a step down of the voltage of the electrical supply396. For example, a conversion of the electric power may includeconverting from AC to DC, or from DC to AC. In an embodiment, thevoltage or waveform is suitable for use by switching elements (notillustrated) managed by the controller circuit. In an embodiment, thepower supply circuit is enclosed within the glass envelope 310 or thehousing 392 coupled to the glass envelope. In an embodiment, the powersupply circuit is further configured to supply a particular current to afilament of the at least two filaments in response to the filamentmanagement schedule. In an embodiment, the supplied particular currentincludes a dynamically regulated current. In an embodiment, the suppliedparticular current includes a current having a particular waveform.

In an embodiment, the controller circuit 330 is further configured totest a filament of the at least two filaments in response to thefilament management schedule. In an embodiment, the test includesapplying a test protocol. In an embodiment, the test includes monitoringa voltage applied to or a current passing through a filament of the atleast two filaments. In an embodiment, the controller is furtherconfigured to estimate the light generated by the filament in responseto the test of the filament. In an embodiment, the controller is furtherconfigured to adjust the passage of current through the filament tomodify the light generated by the filament in response to the estimateof the light generated. In an embodiment, the controller circuit isfurther configured to predict an incipient failure of a filament inresponse to the test of a filament, and to modify the filamentmanagement schedule in response to the prediction. In an embodiment, themodification of the filament management schedule includes modifying thenext switch-on period for the filament to be for a shorter interval. Inan embodiment, the modification of the filament management scheduleincludes removing the filament from the filament management.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example incandescent lighting system 600. Theexample system includes a gas 650 filled and sealed glass envelope 610.The system includes at least two filaments 620 enclosed within the glassenvelope. The at least two filaments are illustrated as a first filament620.1, a second filament 620.2, and a third filament 620.3. Eachfilament of the at least two filaments is configured to generate lightin response to a flow of electric current. The system includes acontroller circuit 630 configured to manage the at least two filamentsin response to a filament management schedule 634. The filamentmanagement schedule includes managing a respective flow of electriccurrent through each filament of the at least two filaments. The systemincludes an accumulation element 640 enclosed within the glass envelopeand structured to facilitate deposition thereon of material evaporatedby at least one filament of the at least two filaments. For example,material evaporated may include material vaporized or released by atleast one filament during its generation of light. In an embodiment, thesystem includes a housing 692. In an embodiment, the system includes abase 694.

In an embodiment, the accumulation element 640 is located within theglass envelope 610 at a position so that its temperature duringoperation of the system 600 is typically less than a temperature of afilament generating light of the at least two filaments 620. In anembodiment, the system includes a heat sink 642. In an embodiment, theaccumulation element is thermally coupled with a heat sink. In anembodiment, the heat sink includes a thermally conductive portion of thebulb housing 692 fixedly attached to the glass envelope. In anembodiment, the thermally conductive base includes a metallic or othersimilarly thermally conductive component. In an embodiment, theaccumulation element is located within the glass envelope at an intendedoperating elevation or orientation at least as high as a filamentgenerating light in a first operating orientation. For example, anintended operating elevation or orientation may include base down, baseup, or base horizontal elevation or position.

In an embodiment, the system includes a flow directing element 660enclosed within the glass envelope 610 and structured to urge a flow 652of heated gas 650 and material evaporated from a filament toward theaccumulation element. In an embodiment, the flow directing element isstructured to facilitate a preferential deposition on the accumulationelement of material evaporated from at least one filament of the atleast two filaments over other components enclosed within the glassenvelope. In an embodiment, the flow directing element is structured tofacilitate a preferential deposition on the accumulation element ofmaterial evaporated from at least one filament of the at least twofilaments over the glass envelope. In an embodiment, the flow directingelement is at least semi-transparent. In an embodiment, the flowdirecting element is structured to direct a convective flow of the gasfilling the glass envelope toward the accumulation element. In anembodiment, the flow directing element is structured to direct aconvective flow of the gas filling the glass envelope toward theaccumulation element so that material evaporated from the filaments ispreferentially deposited on the accumulation element. For example, thepreferential deposition is anticipated to facilitate a majority of thebulb surface remaining substantially free of deposited filamentmaterial.

In an embodiment, the filament management schedule 634 further includesmaintaining a substantially uniform level of light generation by the atleast two filaments 620. In an embodiment, the filament managementschedule further includes managing the respective flow of electriccurrent through each filament of the at least two filaments so that notall of the at least two filaments generate light at any one time.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example operational flow 500. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a first lighting operation 510.The first lighting operation includes electronically initiating inresponse to a filament management schedule a first electric current flowthrough a first filament enclosed within a sealed glass envelope of anincandescent light and generating a first light. In an embodiment, thefirst lighting operation may be implemented by the controller circuit330 flowing an electric current through filament 320.1 of theincandescent lighting system 300 in response to the filament managementschedule 334 as described in conjunction with FIG. 1. A firstextinguishing operation 515 includes electronically terminating thefirst electric current flow in response to the filament managementschedule. In an embodiment, the first extinguishing operation may beimplemented by the controller circuit stopping the flow of electriccurrent through filament 320.1 in response to the filament managementschedule 334 of the incandescent lighting system 300 as described inconjunction with FIG. 1. A second lighting operation 520 includeselectronically initiating in response to the filament managementschedule a second electric current flow through a second filamentenclosed within the sealed glass envelope and generating a second light.In an embodiment, the second lighting operation may be implemented bythe controller circuit 330 flowing a second electric current throughfilament 320.2 of the incandescent lighting system 300 described inconjunction with FIG. 1. A first transition operation 525 includeselectronically maintaining a substantially uniform level of lightgenerated by the incandescent light. In an embodiment, the firsttransition operation may be implemented using the controller circuit330. The operational flow includes an end operation.

In an embodiment, the first transition operation 525 includeselectronically managing 527 the terminating the first electric currentflow and the initiating the second electric current flow to result inthe substantially uniform level of light generated by the incandescentlight. In an embodiment, the operational flow 500 includeselectronically managing 529 the respective flow of electric currentthrough each filament of the incandescent light so that not all of thefilaments are generating light at any one time.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow 500described in conjunction with FIG. 3. A second extinguishing operation530 includes electronically terminating the second electric current flowin response to the filament management schedule. In an embodiment, thesecond extinguishing operation may be implemented by the controllercircuit 330 stopping the flow of electric current through filament 320.2in response to the filament management schedule 334 of the incandescentlighting system 300 described in conjunction with FIG. 1. A thirdlighting operation 535 includes electronically initiating the firstelectric current flow through the first filament in response to thefilament management schedule and generating the first light. A secondtransition operation 540 includes electronically managing theterminating the second electric current flow and the initiating thefirst electric current flow to result in the substantially uniform levelof light generated by the incandescent light. In an embodiment, thesecond transition operation may be implemented using the controllercircuit 330. In an embodiment, the second transition operation includesmanaging the terminating the second electric current flow and theinitiating the first electric current flow so that change over from thesecond light to the first light does not generate a human-perceivablesubstantial change in light generated by the incandescent light.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow 500described in conjunction with FIG. 3. A second extinguishing operation550 includes electronically terminating the second electric current flowin response to the filament management schedule. A third lightingoperation 555 includes electronically initiating a third electriccurrent flow through a third filament enclosed within the sealed glassenvelope in response to the filament management schedule and generatinga third light. A second transition operation 560 includes electronicallymanaging the terminating the second electric current flow and theinitiating the third electric current flow to result in thesubstantially uniform level of light generated by the incandescentlight. A third extinguishing operation 565 includes electronicallyterminating the third electric current flow in response to the filamentmanagement schedule. A fourth lighting operation 570 includeselectronically initiating the first electric current flow through thefirst filament in response to the filament management schedule andgenerating the first light. A third transition operation 575 includeselectronically managing the terminating the third electric current flowand the initiating the first electric current flow to result in thesubstantially uniform level of light generated by the incandescentlight.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow 500described in conjunction with FIG. 3. A first deposition operation 580includes depositing a first material evaporated by the first filamentonto a first accumulation element enclosed within the sealed glassenvelope. In an embodiment, the first deposition operation may beimplemented by the accumulation element 640 described in conjunctionwith FIG. 2. A second deposition operation 585 includes depositing asecond material evaporated by the second filament onto the secondaccumulation element enclosed within the sealed glass envelope. In anembodiment, the second deposition operation may be implemented by theaccumulation element 640 described in conjunction with FIG. 2, oranother accumulation element not illustrated by FIG. 2.

In an embodiment, the operational flow 500 may include a first movementoperation 590. The movement operation includes flowing the firstmaterial toward the first accumulation element. In an embodiment, themovement operation may be implemented by the flow directing element 660described in conjunction with FIG. 2. In an embodiment, the flowing afirst material includes convectively flowing the first material. Asecond movement operation 595 includes flowing the second materialtoward the second accumulation element. In an embodiment, the flowing asecond material includes convectively flowing the second material. In anembodiment, the first accumulation element and the second accumulationelement are a same accumulation element. In an embodiment, the firstaccumulation element and the second accumulation element aresubstantially different accumulation elements.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700. The system includes means 710 forelectronically initiating in response to a filament management schedulea first electric current flow through a first filament of anincandescent light and generating a first light. The system includesmeans 720 for electronically terminating the first electric current flowin response to the filament management schedule. The system includesmeans 730 for electronically initiating in response to the filamentmanagement schedule a second electric current flow through a secondfilament of the incandescent light and generating a second light. Thesystem includes means 740 for electronically managing the terminatingthe first electric current flow and the initiating the second electriccurrent flow to generate a substantially uniform level of lightgeneration by the incandescent light.

In an embodiment, the system includes means 750 for receiving adeposition of a first material evaporated by the first filament. In anembodiment, the system includes means 760 for flowing the first materialevaporated by the first filament toward the means for receiving adeposition of the first material. In an embodiment, the system includesmeans 770 for receiving a deposition of the second material evaporatedby the second filament. In an embodiment, the system includes means 780for flowing the second material evaporated by the second filament towardthe means for receiving the deposition of the second material. In anembodiment, the means for receiving a deposition of the first materialand the means for receiving a deposition of the second material areincluded in a single means for receiving a deposition of evaporatedmaterial.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example incandescent lighting system 800. Thesystem includes a gas 850 filled glass envelope 810. The system includesat least two filaments 820 enclosed within the glass envelope. The atleast two filaments are illustrated as a filament 820.1, a filament820.2, and a filament 820.3. Each filament of the at least two filamentsis configured to generate visible light in response to a flow ofelectric current. The system includes a sensor 860 configured to detectan aspect of a filament of the at least two filaments and to generate asensor signal indicative of the aspect. The system includes a controllercircuit 830 configured to manage the at least two filaments in responseto a filament management schedule 834. The filament management scheduleincludes adjusting a flow of electric current through a filament of theat least two filaments in response to the sensor signal.

In an embodiment, the sensor 860 is located external of the glassenvelope 810. For example, the sensor may be mounted on a structureproximate to the glass envelope, and configured to communicate with thecontroller via the electrical supply 396. For example, the sensor may bemounted on a structure proximate to the glass envelope, and configuredto communicate with the controller 830 via a wireless link. In anembodiment, the sensor is enclosed within the glass envelope. In anembodiment, the sensor is configured to detect a current flow through afilament of the at least two filaments 820. In an embodiment, the sensoris configured to optically evaluate or measure light generated by afilament of the at least two filaments. In an embodiment, the sensor isconfigured to detect a temperature of a filament of the at least twofilaments. In an embodiment, the sensor is configured to detect acondition of a filament of the at least two filaments. For example, acondition may include an increasing or decreasing color temperature, ora flickering or flaring of light generated by a filament.

In an embodiment of the filament management schedule 834, the adjustingthe respective flow of electric current includes adjusting the flow ofelectric current through a filament of the at least two filaments 820 inresponse to a sensor signal indicative of a condition of each filamentof the at least two filaments. For example, the adjustment may be tomaintain a uniform light generation, or to equalize a projected timeremaining until burnout of one or more of the at least two filaments. Inan embodiment, the adjusting the respective flow of electric currentincludes managing the flow of electric current through a filament of theat least two filaments in response to a sensor signal indicative of acondition of each filament of the at least two filaments.

In an embodiment, the sensor 860 is configured to detect acharacteristic of the at least two filaments 820 in combination. Forexample, a light output or a current draw. In an embodiment, theadjusting the respective flow of electric current includes adjusting therespective flow of electric current through each filament of the atleast two filaments in response to the sensor signal indicative of thedetected characteristic of the at least two filaments in combination.

In an embodiment, the filament management schedule 834 includesmaintaining a substantially uniform level of light generation by the atleast two filaments 820. In an embodiment, the filament managementschedule includes managing the respective flow of electric currentthrough each filament of the at least two filaments. In an embodiment,the filament management schedule further includes visually signaling acondition of the incandescent lighting system by temporarily alteringlight generation of a filament. For example, blinking a filament, suchas in a pattern, or in a particular sequence. For example, the visuallysignaling may include blinking an active filament when the lightingsystem is approaching the end of its useful life—for example, thus doingvisually what a smoke detector does audibly by beeping every fiveseconds when its batteries are nearing discharge. In an embodiment, thefilament management schedule includes managing the respective flow ofelectric current through each filament of the at least two filaments sothat not all of the at least two filaments are generating light at anyone time.

In an embodiment, the controller circuit 830 is further configured tooutput an electronic signal indicative of a condition of theincandescent lighting system 800.

In an embodiment, the sensor 860 is configured to detect a blue-shiftedspectral content of light generated by a filament of the at least twofilaments 820. For example, a blue-shifted spectral content may beindicative of a growing filament hot-spot, or other indicia of filamentdeterioration. In an embodiment, the adjusting the respective flow ofelectric current includes adjusting the respective flow of electriccurrent through each filament of the at least two filaments in responseto the sensor signal indicative of the detected blue-shifted spectralcontent. For example, the filament management schedule adjusts itsselection of filaments to activate, typically, irreversibly by switchingoperation to another filament.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example operational flow 900. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a first lighting operation 910.The first lighting operation includes electronically initiating inresponse to a filament management schedule a first electric current flowthrough a first filament enclosed within a sealed glass envelope of anincandescent light and generating a first light. In an embodiment, thefirst lighting operation may be implemented by the controller circuit830 flowing a first electrical current through the filament 820.1 of theincandescent lighting system 800 in response to the filament managementschedule 834 described in conjunction with FIG. 8. A receiving operation915 includes receiving a sensor signal indicative of an aspect of thefirst filament. For example, the aspect of the first filament mayinclude an indication that light output by the first filament hasincreased or diminished over time. In an embodiment, the receivingoperation may be implemented by the controller circuit 830 receiving thesensor signal from the sensor 860 described in conjunction with FIG. 8.A rescheduling operation 920 includes modifying in response to thesensor signal the scheduled first electric current flow through thefirst filament by the filament management schedule. For example, themodifying may include decreasing the first current flow if lightgenerated by the first filament exceeds a target, or may includeincreasing the first current flow if light generated by the firstfilament is below the target. In an embodiment, the reschedulingoperation may be implemented by the controller circuit 830 described inconjunction with FIG. 8. A modified first lighting operation 925includes electronically initiating in response to the filamentmanagement schedule the modified first electric current flow through thefirst filament. A first extinguishing operation 930 includeselectronically terminating in response to the filament managementschedule the modified first electric current flow. In an embodiment, thefirst extinguishing operation may be implemented by the controllercircuit 830 terminating the modified first electrical current throughfilament 820.1 in response to the filament management schedule 834described in conjunction with FIG. 8. A second lighting operation 935includes electronically initiating in response to the filamentmanagement schedule a second electric current flow through a secondfilament enclosed within the sealed glass envelope and generating asecond light. In an embodiment, the first extinguishing operation may beimplemented by the controller circuit 830 flowing a second electricalcurrent through the filament 820.2 in response to the filamentmanagement schedule 834. A first transition operation 940 includeselectronically managing the terminating of the modified first electriccurrent flow and the initiating the second electric current flow tomaintain a substantially uniform level of light generated by theincandescent light. In an embodiment, the first transition operation maybe implemented by the controller circuit 830 managing the firstextinguishing operation and the second lighting operation. Theoperational flow includes an end operation.

In an embodiment, the operational flow 900 includes electronicallymaintaining a substantially uniform level of light generated by theincandescent light. In an embodiment, the operational flow includeselectronically managing the respective flow of electric current througheach filament of the incandescent light so that not all of the filamentsare generating light at any one time.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow900 of FIG. 9. An operation 950 includes receiving another sensor signalindicative of another aspect of the first filament. An operation 955includes further modifying in response to the another sensor signal thescheduled electric current flow through the first filament by thefilament management schedule. An operation 960 includes electronicallyterminating in response to the filament management schedule the secondelectric current flow. An operation 965 includes electronicallyinitiating in response to the filament management schedule the furthermodified electric current flow through the first filament.

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the operational flow 900of FIG. 9. An operation 970 includes receiving a sensor signalindicative of an incipient failure of the first filament. An operation975 includes removing the first filament from the filament managementschedule. An operation 980 includes electronically terminating thesecond electric current flow in response to the removing of the secondfilament from the filament management schedule. An operation 985includes electronically initiating in response to the filamentmanagement schedule a third electric current flow through a thirdfilament enclosed within the sealed glass envelope and generating athird light. An operation 990 includes electronically managing theterminating the second electric current flow and the initiating thethird electric current flow to maintain a substantially uniform level oflight generated by the incandescent light.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system 1000. The example system includesmeans 1010 for electronically initiating in response to a filamentmanagement schedule a first electric current flow through a firstfilament enclosed within a sealed glass envelope of an incandescentlight and generating a first light. The system includes means 1020 forreceiving a sensor signal indicative of an aspect of the first filament.The system includes means 1030 for modifying the scheduled firstelectric current flow through the first filament by the filamentmanagement schedule in response to the received another sensor signal.The system includes means 1040 for electronically initiating in responseto the filament management schedule the modified first electric currentflow through the first filament. The system includes means 1050 forelectronically terminating in response to the filament managementschedule the modified first electric current flow. The system includesmeans 1060 for electronically initiating in response to the filamentmanagement schedule a second electric current flow through a secondfilament enclosed within the sealed glass envelope and generating asecond light. The system includes means 1070 for electronically managingthe terminating the first electric current flow and the initiating thesecond electric current flow to maintain a substantially uniform levelof light generated by the incandescent light.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example tungsten-halogen lighting system 1100.The system includes a sealed glass envelope 1110 containing a halogengas 1150. The system includes at least two tungsten filaments 1120enclosed within the glass envelope. Each tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments is configured to generate light in responseto a flow of electric current. The at least two tungsten filaments areillustrated as a tungsten filament 1120.1, a tungsten filament 1120.2,and a tungsten filament 1120.3. The system includes a controller circuit1130 configured to manage the at least two tungsten filaments inresponse to a tungsten filament management schedule 1134. The tungstenfilament management schedule includes controlling tungsten redepositionby the halogen regenerative cycle on each tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments.

For example, a tungsten-halogen light is typically filled with an inertgas (such as nitrogen, argon, krypton, or xenon) and a minute amount ofa halogen compound (usually hydrogen bromide; HBr) and trace levels ofmolecular oxygen. In the tungsten-halogen light, the halogen compoundserves to initiate a reversible chemical reaction with tungstenevaporated from a filament to yield gaseous tungsten oxyhalide moleculesin the vapor phase. Thermal gradients formed as a result of thetemperature differential between the hot filament and the coolerenvelope contribute to interception and recycling of tungsten to thelight filament through a phenomenon known as the halogen regenerativecycle. Vaporized tungsten reacts with hydrogen bromide to form gaseoushalides that are subsequently re-deposited onto cooler areas of thefilament rather than being slowly accumulated on the inner walls of theenvelope.

The halogen regenerative cycle includes three steps. At the start ofoperation, the light's glass envelope, fill gas, vaporous halogen, andfilament all are initially in equilibrium at room temperature. Whenpower is applied to the light, filament temperature rises to itsoperating temperature (in the vicinity of 2500 to 3000° C.), a processthat also heats the fill gas and the glass envelope. Eventually, theenvelope achieves its stable operating temperature, which ranges from400 to 1000° C., depending upon the light parameters. The temperaturedifferential between the filament and the glass envelope creates thermalgradients and convection currents in the fill gas. Once the glassenvelope reaches a temperature of approximately 200 to 250° C.(depending on the nature and amount of halogen vapor), the halogenregenerative cycle begins. Tungsten atoms evaporated from a filamentreact with gaseous halogen vapor and the trace levels of molecularoxygen to form tungsten oxyhalides. Instead of condensing on the hotinner walls of the glass envelope, the oxyhalide compounds arecirculated by convection currents back to the region surrounding afilament where they decompose, leaving elemental tungsten re-depositedon the cooler regions of the filament. Once free of combined tungsten,the oxygen and halide compounds diffuse back into vapor and repeat theregenerative cycle. Continuous recycling of metallic tungsten back andforth between the vapor phase and a filament maintains a sufficientfilament wire thickness.

In an embodiment, the glass envelope 1100 includes a quartz glassenvelope. In an embodiment, the glass envelope includes ahigh-melting-point glass envelope. In an embodiment, the at least twotungsten filaments 1120 include at least two tungsten wire filaments. Inan embodiment, the halogen gas includes an iodine gas. In an embodiment,the halogen gas includes a bromide gas. In an embodiment, the halogengas includes halogen gas molecules having a chemical structure formingtungsten oxyhalide and promoting scavenging of tungsten materialevaporated from the at least two filaments. In an embodiment, the atleast two tungsten filaments are arranged within the glass envelope sothat tungsten evaporated from a first filament is available forscavenging by a second filament of the at least two filaments. In anembodiment, the at least two tungsten filaments are symmetricallyarranged within the glass envelope. In an embodiment, the halogenregenerative cycle includes depositing tungsten evaporated from a firsttungsten filament onto a second tungsten filament of the at least twotungsten filaments. In an embodiment, the at least two tungstenfilaments are structured and arranged within the glass envelope tofacilitate tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycleacross the at least two tungsten filaments. For example, tungstenevaporated from the first filament 1120.1 during a previous lightgeneration is likely to be substantially replaced by the halogenregenerative cycle with tungsten evaporated from the second filament1120.2 when the first filament subsequently generates light. In anembodiment, the at least two tungsten filaments are structured andarranged within the glass envelope so that tungsten evaporated from afirst filament during a previous light generation is likely on averageto be substantially replaced with tungsten evaporated from a secondfilament by the halogen regenerative cycle when the first filamentsubsequently generates light.

In an embodiment, the controlling tungsten redeposition of the tungstenfilament management schedule 1134 includes applying a light-productionduty cycle to a filament of the at least two filaments 1120. Forexample, applying a light-production duty cycle is expected to limitburn time which correspondingly limits tungsten regeneration on theburning filament. In an embodiment, the light-production duty cycleincludes a fixed period of time. For example, the fixed period of timemay be an hour, a day, a week, a month, or some multiple thereof. In anembodiment, the tungsten filament management schedule does not schedulea filament for light generation again until another filament of the atleast two filaments has completed its light-production duty cycle. In anembodiment, the light-production duty cycle of the filament is afunction of an estimated useful life of the filament. For example, theduty cycle may be a fraction of total estimated useful life, such as 1%,5%, or 10%. In an embodiment, the controlling tungsten redeposition ofthe tungsten filament management schedule includes initiating a firstlight-production duty cycle for a first filament of the at least twofilaments in response to a first user-activation of the tungsten-halogenlighting system, and initiating a second light-production duty cycle fora second filament of the at least two filaments in response to asubsequent second user-activation of the tungsten-halogen lightingsystem. For example, the tungsten filament management schedule switchesto different filament and duty cycle each time the lighting system isturned on by a user, or every second time. In an embodiment, thecontrolling tungsten redeposition includes applying a light-productionduty cycle to a filament of the at least two filaments in response to asignal received from an outside source. For example, the signal mayinclude a time signal, or a command to a distributed system oftungsten-halogen lighting systems. In an embodiment, the controllingtungsten redeposition includes applying a light-production duty cycle toa filament of the at least two filaments as a function of acharacteristic temporal behavior of the halogen regenerative cycle withrespect to the filament. For example, a characteristic temporal behaviormay include a rate of tungsten regeneration. For example, it may beundesirable for too much tungsten to condense on any one filament. In anembodiment, the controlling tungsten redeposition includes applying alight-production duty cycle of less than about ten hours to a filamentof the at least two filaments. In an embodiment, the controllingtungsten redeposition includes flowing a first electric current througha first tungsten filament and flowing a second electric current througha second tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments. Thesecond electric current less than the first electric current. The secondelectric current is sufficient to make the second filament active in thehalogen regenerative cycle. For example, in this embodiment, the firstelectric current is the normal amperage used to generate light in thetungsten-halogen lighting system, and this current will initiate thehalogen regenerative cycle and redeposit tungsten on the first filament.In this example, the second electric current is less than the firstelectric current, but is enough to initiate the halogen regenerativecycle and redeposit tungsten on the second filament. It is anticipatedthat this will provide additional tungsten redeposition on the secondfilament over what it might have received during its duty cycle. In thisexample, the additional tungsten redeposition may be used to catch up afilament that has not experienced an expected tungsten redeposition, orit may be used in the normal course of managing tungsten redeposition onthe at least two filaments.

In an embodiment, the filament management schedule 1134 further includesmanaging a respective flow of electric current through each tungstenfilament of the at least two tungsten filaments 1120 so that not all ofthe at least two tungsten filaments are generating light at any onetime. In an embodiment, the filament management schedule furtherincludes maintaining a substantially uniform level of light generationby the at least two filaments. In an embodiment, the filament managementschedule further includes removing a failed tungsten filament frommanagement by the tungsten filament management schedule. In anembodiment, the filament management schedule further includes removing atungsten filament undergoing an incipient failure from management by thetungsten filament management schedule.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example tungsten-halogen lighting system 1200.The system includes a sealed glass envelope 1210 containing a halogengas 1250. The system includes at least two tungsten filaments 1220enclosed within the glass envelope. Each tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments is configured to generate light in responseto a flow of electric current. The system includes a sensor 1230configured to detect an indicia of tungsten redeposition on a tungstenfilament of the at least two tungsten filaments and to generate a sensorsignal indicative of the indicia. The system includes a controllercircuit 1230 configured to manage the at least two tungsten filaments inresponse to a tungsten filament management schedule 1234. The tungstenfilament management schedule includes controlling tungsten redepositionby the halogen regenerative cycle on each tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments at least partially based on the sensorsignal.

In an embodiment, the sensor signal generated by the sensor 1230indicates a current flow rate through a tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments 1220. In an embodiment, the sensor signalindicates a temperature of a tungsten filament of the at least twotungsten filaments. In an embodiment, the sensor signal indicates acolor temperature of a tungsten filament of the at least two tungstenfilaments. In an embodiment, the sensor signal indicates a measure oflight generated by a tungsten filament of the at least two tungstenfilaments.

In an embodiment, the controlling tungsten redeposition by the tungstenfilament management schedule 1234 includes adjusting a scheduled flow ofelectric current through a tungsten filament of the at least twotungsten filaments 1220 at least partially based on the sensor signal.For example, duration of a scheduled flow of electric current may beextended to increase tungsten redeposition, or may be shortened todecrease tungsten redeposition. In an embodiment, the adjusting includesincreasing a length of a light-production duty cycle of the tungstenfilament. In an embodiment, the adjusting includes decreasing a lengthof a light-production duty cycle of the tungsten filament. In anembodiment, the controlling tungsten redeposition includes reducing ascheduled flow of electric current through a tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments at least partially based on a sensor signalindicative of a rate of thickening of the tungsten filament exceeding apredetermined rate. For example, reducing a scheduled flow of electriccurrent may include reducing a duration or a rate of current flow. Forexample, a rate of thickening may indicate scavenged tungsten isaccumulating too quickly on the tungsten filament. For example, a sensorsignal indicative of increased current flow beyond a target current flowmay indicate an increased diameter of a filament and correspondinglyexcessive accumulation of scavenged tungsten. For example, a sensorsignal indicative of increased color temperature may also indicateincreased current flow beyond a target current flow due to an increaseddiameter of a filament, and correspondingly excessive accumulation ofscavenged tungsten. For example, reducing a duration or rate of currentmay cool the filament and is expected to reduce the rate of tungstenredeposition on the tungsten filament, thus preventing over thickening.In an embodiment, the controlling tungsten redeposition includesincreasing a duration of scheduled flow of electric current through atungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments at leastpartially based on a sensor signal indicative of a rate of thickening ofthe tungsten filament being below a predetermined rate. In anembodiment, the controlling tungsten redeposition includes terminating aflow of electric current through a tungsten filament of the at least twotungsten filaments at least partially based on a sensor signalindicative of a thickening of the tungsten filament exceeding apredetermined value. For example, the thickening may be indicated byincreased current flow, or color temperature change, because resistancedecreases as a filament thickens, and current correspondingly increasesand color temperature changes. In an embodiment, the controllingtungsten redeposition includes terminating a flow of an electric currentthrough a tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments inresponse to a sensor signal indicative of a temporal increase inelectric current exceeding a predetermined value.

In an embodiment, the tungsten filament management schedule 1234 furtherincludes managing a respective flow of electric current through eachtungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments 1220 so thatnot all of the at least two tungsten filaments are generating light atany one time. In an embodiment, the tungsten filament managementschedule further includes maintaining a substantially uniform level oflight generation by the at least two tungsten filaments.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example operational flow 1300. After a startoperation, the operational flow includes a first lighting operation1310. The first lighting operation includes electronically initiating inresponse to a tungsten filament management schedule a first electriccurrent flow through a first tungsten filament enclosed within a sealedglass envelope of a tungsten-halogen light and generating a first light.In an embodiment, the first lighting operation may be implemented by thecontroller circuit 1230 flowing a first electric current through thetungsten filament 1220.1 of the tungsten-halogen lighting system 1200 inresponse to the tungsten filament management schedule 1234 as describedin conjunction with FIG. 14. A first extinguishing operation 1320includes electronically terminating the first electric current flow uponcompletion of a first light-production duty cycle specified for thefirst tungsten filament by the tungsten filament management schedule.The first light-production duty cycle controlling tungsten redepositionby the halogen regenerative cycle on the first tungsten filament of theat least two tungsten filaments. In an embodiment, controlling tungstendeposition includes limiting tungsten redeposition. In an embodiment,controlling tungsten deposition includes facilitating tungstenredeposition. In an embodiment, the first extinguishing operation may beimplemented by the controller circuit 1230 stopping the flow of electriccurrent through filament 1220.1 in response to the filament managementschedule 1234 as described in conjunction with FIG. 14. A secondlighting operation 1330 includes electronically initiating in responseto the tungsten filament management schedule a second electric currentflow through a second tungsten filament enclosed within the sealed glassenvelope and generating a second light. In an embodiment, the secondlighting operation may be implemented by the controller circuit 1230flowing a second electric current through filament 1220.2 of thetungsten-halogen lighting system 1200 in response to the tungstenfilament management schedule 1234 as described in conjunction with FIG.14. A control operation 1340 includes electronically managing theterminating the first electric current flow and the initiating thesecond electric current flow to maintain a substantially uniform levelof light generated by the tungsten halogen light. The control operationmay be implemented by the controller circuit 1230. The operational flowincludes an end operation.

In an embodiment, the operational flow 1300 includes an operation 1350and an operation 1352. The operation 1350 includes electronicallyterminating the second electric current flow upon completion of a secondlight-production duty cycle specified for the second filament by thefilament management schedule. The second light-production duty cyclecontrolling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle onthe second tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments. Theoperation 1352 includes electronically initiating in response to thefilament management schedule the first electric current flow through thefirst filament and generating the first light.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow1300 of FIG. 15. In an embodiment, the alternative embodiment ofoperational flow includes an operation 1356, an operation 1358, and anoperation 1362. The operation 1356 includes receiving a sensor signalindicative of an aspect of the first tungsten filament. The operation1358 includes modifying based upon the received sensor signal the firstelectric current flow scheduled by the filament management schedule. Theoperation 1362 includes electronically initiating in response to thefilament management schedule the modified first electric current flowthrough the first filament. In an embodiment, the modifying the firstelectric current includes extending the light-production duty cycle ofthe first filament. In an embodiment, the modifying the first electriccurrent includes shortening the light-production duty cycle of the firstfilament.

In an embodiment, the alternative embodiment of the operational flow mayinclude at least one additional operation 1370. The at least oneadditional operation may include an operation 1372, or an operation1374. The operation 1372 includes electronically maintaining asubstantially uniform level of light generated by the tungsten-halogenlight. The operation 1374 includes electronically managing therespective flow of electric current through each filament of the atleast two filaments so that not all of the at least two tungstenfilaments are generating light at any one time.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example system 1400. The system includes means1410 for electronically initiating in response to a tungsten filamentmanagement schedule a first electric current flow through a firsttungsten filament enclosed within a sealed glass envelope of atungsten-halogen light and generating a first light. The system includesmeans 1420 for electronically terminating the first electric currentflow upon completion of a first light-production duty cycle specifiedfor the first tungsten filament by the tungsten filament managementschedule. The first light-production duty cycle controlling tungstenredeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle on the first tungstenfilament of the at least two tungsten filaments. The system includesmeans 1430 for electronically initiating in response to the tungstenfilament management schedule a second electric current flow through asecond tungsten filament enclosed within the sealed glass envelope andgenerating a second light. The system includes means 1440 forelectronically managing the terminating the first electric current flowand the initiating the second electric current flow to maintain asubstantially uniform level of light generated by the tungsten-halogenlight.

In an alternative embodiment, the system 1400 includes means 1450 forelectronically terminating the second electric current flow uponcompletion of a second light-production duty cycle specified for thesecond filament by the filament management schedule. The secondlight-production duty cycle controlling tungsten redeposition by thehalogen regenerative cycle on the second tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments. The system includes means 1460 forelectronically initiating in response to the filament managementschedule the first electric current flow through the first filament andgenerating the first light.

In another alternative embodiment 1470 of the system 1400, the system1400 includes means 1472 for receiving a sensor signal indicative of anaspect of the first tungsten filament. The system includes means 1474for modifying based upon the received sensor signal the first electriccurrent flow scheduled by the filament management schedule. The systemincludes means 1476 for electronically initiating in response to thefilament management schedule the modified first electric current flowthrough the first filament.

In another alternative embodiment 1480, the system 1400 includes means1482 for electronically maintaining a substantially uniform level oflight generated by the tungsten-halogen light. In an alternativeembodiment, the system includes means 1484 for electronically managingthe respective flow of electric current through each filament of the atleast two filaments so that not all of the at least two tungstenfilaments are generating light at any one time.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety or to the extent their subject matter is not otherwiseinconsistent herewith.

In some embodiments, “configured” includes at least one of designed, setup, shaped, implemented, constructed, or adapted for at least one of aparticular purpose, application, or function.

It will be understood that, in general, terms used herein, andespecially in the appended claims, are generally intended as “open”terms. For example, the term “including” should be interpreted as“including but not limited to.” For example, the term “having” should beinterpreted as “having at least.” For example, the term “has” should beinterpreted as “having at least.” For example, the term “includes”should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc. It willbe further understood that if a specific number of an introduced claimrecitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in theclaim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claimsmay contain usage of introductory phrases such as “at least one” or “oneor more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of suchphrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of aclaim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits anyparticular claim containing such introduced claim recitation toinventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claimincludes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” andindefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a receiver” shouldtypically be interpreted to mean “at least one receiver”); the sameholds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claimrecitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introducedclaim recitation is explicitly recited, it will be recognized that suchrecitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recitednumber (e.g., the bare recitation of “at least two chambers,” or “aplurality of chambers,” without other modifiers, typically means atleast two chambers).

In those instances where a phrase such as “at least one of A, B, and C,”“at least one of A, B, or C,” or “an [item] selected from the groupconsisting of A, B, and C,” is used, in general such a construction isintended to be disjunctive (e.g., any of these phrases would include butnot be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and Btogether, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together,and may further include more than one of A, B, or C, such as A₁, A₂, andC together, A, B₁, B₂, C₁, and C₂ together, or B₁ and B₂ together). Itwill be further understood that virtually any disjunctive word or phrasepresenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate thepossibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

The herein described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely examples, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected,” or “operably coupled,” to each other to achievethe desired functionality. Any two components capable of being soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to eachother to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples ofoperably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable orphysically interacting components or wirelessly interactable orwirelessly interacting components.

With respect to the appended claims, the recited operations therein maygenerally be performed in any order. Also, although various operationalflows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that thevarious operations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently. Examples of suchalternate orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted,reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous,reverse, or other variant orderings, unless context dictates otherwise.Use of “Start,” “End,” “Stop,” or the like blocks in the block diagramsis not intended to indicate a limitation on the beginning or end of anyoperations or functions in the diagram. Such flowcharts or diagrams maybe incorporated into other flowcharts or diagrams where additionalfunctions are performed before or after the functions shown in thediagrams of this application. Furthermore, terms like “responsive to,”“related to,” or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intendedto exclude such variants, unless context dictates otherwise.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the variouscomponents and elements disclosed in the block diagrams herein as wellas the various steps and sub-steps disclosed in the flow charts hereinmay be incorporated together in different claimed combinations in orderto enhance possible benefits and advantages.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A tungsten-halogen lighting systemcomprising: a sealed glass envelope containing a halogen gas; at leasttwo tungsten filaments enclosed within the glass envelope, each tungstenfilament of the at least two tungsten filaments configured to generatelight in response to a flow of electric current; and a controllercircuit configured to manage the at least two tungsten filaments inresponse to a tungsten filament management schedule, the tungstenfilament management schedule includes controlling tungsten redepositionby the halogen regenerative cycle on each tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments, wherein the controlling tungstenredeposition includes initiating a first light-production duty cycle fora first filament of the at least two filaments in response to a firstuser-activation of the tungsten-halogen lighting system, and initiatinga second light-production duty cycle for a second filament of the atleast two filaments in response to a second user-activation of thetungsten-halogen lighting system.
 2. The tungsten-halogen lightingsystem of claim 1, wherein the at least two tungsten filaments includeat least two tungsten wire filaments.
 3. The tungsten-halogen lightingsystem of claim 1, wherein the halogen gas includes halogen gasmolecules having a chemical structure forming tungsten oxyhalide andpromoting scavenging of tungsten material evaporated from the at leasttwo filaments.
 4. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 1,wherein the at least two tungsten filaments are arranged within theglass envelope so that tungsten evaporated from a first filament isavailable for scavenging by a second filament of the at least twofilaments.
 5. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 4, whereinthe at least two tungsten filaments are symmetrically arranged withinthe glass envelope.
 6. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 1,wherein the halogen regenerative cycle includes depositing tungstenevaporated from a first tungsten filament onto a second tungstenfilament of the at least two tungsten filaments.
 7. The tungsten-halogenlighting system of claim 1, wherein the at least two tungsten filamentsare structured and arranged within the glass envelope to facilitatetungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle across the atleast two tungsten filaments.
 8. The tungsten-halogen lighting system ofclaim 1, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includes applyinga light-production duty cycle to a filament of the at least twofilaments.
 9. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 8, whereinthe light-production duty cycle of the filament is a function of anestimated useful life of the filament.
 10. The tungsten-halogen lightingsystem of claim 1, wherein the controlling tungsten redepositionincludes applying a light-production duty cycle to a filament of the atleast two filaments in response to a signal received from an outsidesource.
 11. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 1, wherein thecontrolling tungsten redeposition includes applying a light-productionduty cycle to a filament of the at least two filaments as a function ofa characteristic temporal behavior of the halogen regenerative cyclewith respect to the filament.
 12. The tungsten-halogen lighting systemof claim 1, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includesflowing a first electric current through a first tungsten filament andflowing a second electric current through a second tungsten filament ofthe at least two tungsten filaments, the second electric current lessthan the first electric current, and the second electric currentsufficient to make the second filament active in the halogenregenerative cycle.
 13. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 1,wherein the filament management schedule further includes managing arespective flow of electric current through each tungsten filament ofthe at least two tungsten filaments so that not all of the at least twotungsten filaments are generating light at any one time.
 14. Thetungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 1, wherein the filamentmanagement schedule further includes maintaining a substantially uniformlevel of light generation by the at least two filaments.
 15. Thetungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 1, wherein the filamentmanagement schedule further includes removing a failed tungsten filamentfrom management by the tungsten filament management schedule.
 16. Thetungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 1, wherein the filamentmanagement schedule further includes removing a tungsten filamentundergoing an incipient failure from management by the tungsten filamentmanagement schedule.
 17. A tungsten-halogen lighting system comprising:a sealed glass envelope containing a halogen gas; at least two tungstenfilaments enclosed within the glass envelope, each tungsten filament ofthe at least two tungsten filaments configured to generate light inresponse to a flow of electric current; a sensor configured to detect anindicia of tungsten redeposition on each tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments and to generate a sensor signal indicativeof the indicia; and a controller circuit configured to manage the atleast two tungsten filaments in response to a tungsten filamentmanagement schedule, the tungsten filament management schedule includescontrolling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle oneach tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments at leastpartially based on the sensor signal.
 18. The tungsten-halogen lightingsystem of claim 17, wherein the sensor signal indicates a current flowrate through a tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments.19. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 17, wherein the sensorsignal indicates a temperature of a tungsten filament of the at leasttwo tungsten filaments.
 20. The tungsten-halogen lighting system ofclaim 17, wherein the sensor signal indicates a color temperature of atungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments.
 21. Thetungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 17, wherein the sensor signalindicates a measure of light generated by a tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments.
 22. The tungsten-halogen lighting systemof claim 17, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includesadjusting a scheduled flow of electric current through a tungstenfilament of the at least two tungsten filaments at least partially basedon the sensor signal.
 23. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim17, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includes reducing ascheduled flow of electric current through a tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments at least partially based on a sensor signalindicative of a rate of thickening of the tungsten filament exceeding apredetermined rate.
 24. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim17, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includes increasing ascheduled flow of electric current through a tungsten filament of the atleast two tungsten filaments at least partially based on a sensor signalindicative of a rate of thickening of the tungsten filament being belowa predetermined rate.
 25. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim17, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includes terminating aflow of electric current through a tungsten filament of the at least twotungsten filaments at least partially based on a sensor signalindicative of a thickening of the tungsten filament exceeding apredetermined value.
 26. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim17, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includes terminating aflow of an electric current through a tungsten filament of the at leasttwo tungsten filaments in response to a sensor signal indicative of atemporal increase in electric current exceeding a predetermined value.27. The tungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 17, wherein thetungsten filament management schedule further includes managing arespective flow of electric current through each tungsten filament ofthe at least two tungsten filaments so that not all of the at least twotungsten filaments are generating light at any one time.
 28. Thetungsten-halogen lighting system of claim 17, wherein the tungstenfilament management schedule further includes maintaining asubstantially uniform level of light generation by the at least twotungsten filaments.
 29. A method comprising: electronically initiatingin response to a tungsten filament management schedule a first electriccurrent flow through a first tungsten filament enclosed within a sealedglass envelope of a tungsten-halogen light and generating a first light;electronically terminating the first electric current flow uponcompletion of a first light-production duty cycle specified for thefirst tungsten filament by the tungsten filament management schedule,the first light-production duty cycle controlling tungsten redepositionby the halogen regenerative cycle on the first tungsten filament of theat least two tungsten filaments; electronically initiating in responseto the tungsten filament management schedule a second electric currentflow through a second tungsten filament enclosed within the sealed glassenvelope and generating a second light; and electronically managing theterminating the first electric current flow and the initiating thesecond electric current flow to maintain a substantially uniform levelof light generated by the tungsten-halogen light.
 30. The method ofclaim 29, further comprising: electronically terminating the secondelectric current flow upon completion of a second light-production dutycycle specified for the second filament by the filament managementschedule, the second light-production duty cycle controlling tungstenredeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle on the second tungstenfilament of the at least two tungsten filaments; and electronicallyinitiating in response to the filament management schedule the firstelectric current flow through the first filament and generating thefirst light.
 31. The method of claim 29, further comprising: receiving asensor signal indicative of an aspect of the first tungsten filament;modifying based upon the received sensor signal the first electriccurrent flow scheduled by the filament management schedule; andelectronically initiating in response to the filament managementschedule the modified first electric current flow through the firstfilament.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the modifying the firstelectric current includes extending the light-production duty cycle ofthe first filament.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the modifyingthe first electric current includes shortening the light-production dutycycle of the first filament.
 34. The method of claim 29, furthercomprising: electronically maintaining a substantially uniform level oflight generated by the tungsten-halogen light.
 35. The method of claim29, further comprising: electronically managing the respective flow ofelectric current through each filament of the at least two filaments sothat not all of the at least two tungsten filaments are generating lightat any one time.
 36. A system comprising: means for electronicallyinitiating in response to a tungsten filament management schedule afirst electric current flow through a first tungsten filament enclosedwithin a sealed glass envelope of a tungsten-halogen light andgenerating a first light; means for electronically terminating the firstelectric current flow upon completion of a first light-production dutycycle specified for the first tungsten filament by the tungsten filamentmanagement schedule, the first light-production duty cycle controllingtungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle on the firsttungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments; means forelectronically initiating in response to the tungsten filamentmanagement schedule a second electric current flow through a secondtungsten filament enclosed within the sealed glass envelope andgenerating a second light; and means for electronically managing theterminating the first electric current flow and the initiating thesecond electric current flow to maintain a substantially uniform levelof light generated by the tungsten-halogen light.
 37. The system ofclaim 36, further comprising: means for electronically terminating thesecond electric current flow upon completion of a secondlight-production duty cycle specified for the second filament by thefilament management schedule, the second light-production duty cyclecontrolling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle onthe second tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments; andmeans for electronically initiating in response to the filamentmanagement schedule the first electric current flow through the firstfilament and generating the first light.
 38. The method of claim 36,further comprising: means for receiving a sensor signal indicative of anaspect of the first tungsten filament; means for modifying based uponthe received sensor signal the first electric current flow scheduled bythe filament management schedule; and means for electronicallyinitiating in response to the filament management schedule the modifiedfirst electric current flow through the first filament.
 39. The methodof claim 36, further comprising: means for electronically maintaining asubstantially uniform level of light generated by the tungsten-halogenlight.
 40. The method of claim 36, further comprising: means forelectronically managing the respective flow of electric current througheach filament of the at least two filaments so that not all of the atleast two tungsten filaments are generating light at any one time. 41.The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling tungsten redepositionincludes switching to a different filament and duty cycle upon eachuser-activation of the tungsten-halogen lighting system.
 42. The methodof claim 1, wherein the controlling tungsten redeposition includesswitching to a different filament and duty cycle upon every seconduser-activation of the tungsten-halogen lighting system.